Training future winners

n April 2013, work began by the Free State Department of Sport, Art, Culture and Recreation on upgrading the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium using primary contractor WHBO. This is a multi-purpose facility located in the township of Rockland in B l o e mf o n t e i n , mo s t l y u s e d f o r soccer matches and also utilised as a training field for teams participating in the 2010 FIFA World Cup – after being renovated in 2008 and brought up to FIFA standards.

Completed in September 2015, this now world-class stadium cost R340-million i n total. Around R 1 2 - mi l l i o n wa s s p e n t l o c a l l y and just under R17-million was outsourced to BEE companies, underlining t he aggressive approach the department is pursuing towards the radical economic transformation agenda in the Free State.

The project i ncluded demolishing of the old structure to make way for this new sports facility. It also involved installing water-wise features to create an environmentally-friendly water reticulation process, upgrades to the tennis court and the construction of new running tracks, the installation of roofing over the 18 000 seating area and paving in and around the stadium.

There is now a new covered VIP and media area and new perimeter fencing, entrance gates and access turnstiles have been erected, as have new security and ticketing offices. A significant feature is the installation of free public wi-fi connectivity for all spectators.

Next on the agenda, mentioned by the Minister of Sports and Culture, Fekile Mbalula, who was one of the VIPs at the opening ceremony, is an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

“This swimming pool will benefit the community and train future generations of swimmers — the class of tomorrow,” said Minister Mbalula, “and is part of taking South Africa forward.”